SUE MANNERS

by

02 November 2006

A NAME that is recognised by literally hundreds of clergy, patrons,
archdeacons, bishops and their staff simply because of her reputation as a
source of sanity and truth in a world that is fraught with problems, Sue worked
in the Clergy Appointments Office for nearly ten years, having been seduced
away from the headmistress at the City of London School for Girls.

She made a big difference to worried clergy, frustrated patrons, and
bewildered bishops. The General Circulation (of clergy looking for a post) and
the Vacancy List (of jobs available) were produced under her guidance every
month, on time, and with superb efficiency.

There was little Sue did not know about clergy appointments, and the writer
will always be grateful for her guiding hand and occasional crisp remark as he
attempted the transition from parish priest to office manager.

In her home parish of St Edward’s, Romford, she was PCC secretary, had run a
youth club, co-ordinated a pastoral-care team, and was a sidesperson and a
communion administrator.

Sue was about to take over responsibility for the Mothers’ Union when she
fell ill last year, and had to go through a most difficult time of radical
surgery and lengthy post-operative treatment, which she greeted with her usual
optimism and robust lack of self-pity. Sue lost her battle on 16 May, and
slipped quietly into the arms of her Maker.

She is missed for her abilities in the appointments field, but more
importantly in the very practical way in which her faith translated into an
often thankless and routine-ridden round of files, emails, letters and phone
calls, which made others’ lives so much easier, and assisted the mission and
ministry of the Church.